- The KWS on Thursday said it “deeply regrets the tragic loss of a five-year-old child caused by a hyena attack on the evening of September 4.
- The agency launched Operation Ondoa Fisi-2 on August 8, following similar attacks in Juja.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has directed the Kenya Wildlife Service to move swiftly and stop further hyena attacks in Juja, Kiambu county.
Noting that the attacks were worrying, Miano directed KWS rangers to patrol the affected area.
“It is the commitment of my m to uphold every human life with the preciousness it deserves.”
Miano’s order follows increased hyena attacks in Juja. Residents have been calling upon the authorities to move expeditiously and stop the worrying situation.
The KWS on Thursday said it “deeply regrets the tragic loss of a five-year-old child caused by a hyena attack on the evening of September 4.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.”
KWS said it is intensifying efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the area.
“Wildlife management remains challenging, with a significant proportion of wildlife residing outside protected areas, often seasonally.”
The agency launched Operation Ondoa Fisi-2 on August 8, following similar attacks in Juja.
The operation is a buildup on a previous initiative from November 2023 to tackle rising hyena attacks.
Since the start of Operation Ondoa Fisi-2, KWS has successfully tracked, captured and relocated 38 hyenas and sealed 12 quarries used where the animals hide.
A specialised team has been deployed to manage the current situation, with the operation proceeding in two phases: hyena management and community engagement to educate residents on safety measures.
The agency urged the public to limit movement at night, dispose of waste properly to avoid attracting hyenas, and refrain from tampering with traps set for the animals.
KWS said it is committed to working with relevant authorities to address and rehabilitate abandoned quarries within Juja and ensure the safety of all residents.
“We remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyans and urge anyone who spots problematic wildlife to immediately report the sighting through the KWS 24/7 hotline 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp number +254 726610509.”
Incidences of hyena attacks in Juja date as far back as June 2021, when a pack of the animals attacked a drunk man and ate his whole body, leaving just bones.
In February 2022, three people were mauled to death by the hyenas, prompting Juja residents to threaten to take legal action.
In September of the same year, a Grade 3 boy was mauled to death by hyenas in Nyacaba village.
On the morning of December 2, 2023, a middle-aged woman was killed by hyenas as she walked to a coffee farm in Nyacaba.
Residents blocked armed police from collecting the body, demanding that the police hunt down the hyenas before collecting her remains.
On November 20, 2023, a clan of hyenas killed a 10-year-old pupil in Weteithie.
The surge of hyena attacks has instilled fear in residents, who rarely move out of their houses in the evenings, late at night and early in the morning to avoid the marauding animals.